Nittany Lions fall to Lycoming 3-1

Williamsports, Pa. - The Nittany Lions fell on the road Tuesday night at Lycoming College, dropping their season record to 8-9 in 2024. Hazleton rebounded from a poor first set to knot the match at 1-1, but the Warriors took full command of the match from that point on, dispatching Hazleton with a 3-1 loss. 

Following a 25-16 loss in set one, Hazleton came back from a four point deficit late in the frame, getting five straight points behind the serve of second year Sarah Ballek to take a 25-24 lead. The Warriors would stop the run to tie the set at 25-25 but a service error and a kill from second Kaytlin Kelley sealed up the win for the Lions. Hazleton's strong effort in the second set continued at the start of the third frame but with the Lions trailing 9-7 in set three, the Warriors proceeded to go on a 13-3 run, pulling away from Hazleton to regain control of the match. That trend continued into the fourth set as Lycoming poured in 16 kills in the final set compared to just seven for Hazleton, claiming the win with a 25-13 victory in set four. 

Third year Sydney Mack led the hitters for Hazleton with nine kills on the night while Kayltin Kelley totaled eight put aways in the loss. Second year setter Sophia Del Vacchio nabbed 26 assists in the game to lead Hazleton with second year Nora Jones adding a team-high 16 digs respectively. Hazleton will look to bounce back on Thursday when the Lions return to their home court to take on Penn State Lehigh Valley, looking to earn their fifth win in conference play.